Q3-07
	Committed to fight diabetes The World Diabetes Foundation is unique by being the only international Foundation devoted solely to funding projects within diabetes care and prevention. Our approach is unique compared to other funding agencies operating in the developing world. We aim to find local champions devoted to create access to care and empower them to achieve their goals and share our mission; improving the lives of millions of people with diabetes. The Foundation's role is to act as a catalyst; to bring together committed people and provide them with the necessary support they need to make a significant change and to replicate sustainable models. In this edition of the newsletter, we share stories of hard working individuals, who strive every day to bring diabetes higher on the global agenda through advocacy and sustainable partnerships. We call them the local champions. We start in Mali where our project partner has shown a strong commitment to change the quality of diabetes care in an entire country. Another project in Burundi trains health care personnel in the basic knowledge on diabetes prevention and treatment in a country devastated by years of civil war and armed conflict.  Lessons learnt in a completed Nepalese project, demonstrate the outcome of a long lasting impact in the community, an element of sustanibility which is crucial for a funding organisation like WDF. A relief campaign which helps Peruvian earthquake victims with access to diabetes care, demonstrates our partners’ ambition and stamina to fight diabetes in the most remote areas in the developing world. Finally, we would like to direct your attention to the Global Diabetes Walk 2007. Since 2004, the Global Diabetes Walk has been the annual global event that offers “you” the opportunity to make a difference by arranging or joining a walk in order to create greater awareness about diabetes worldwide. As part of the global collaboration for World Diabetes Day 07, the International Diabetes Federation is asking the entire global diabetes community to take action and register walks on the Global Diabetes Walk website.
	Local ownership in Mali In Mali, one person in particular has major plans for revising diabetes care. Mr. Stéphane Besancon left France to run a non governmental organisation (NGO), whose aim is to improve the prevention and management of diabetes in the Sub Saharan country of Mali in Africa. Three projects funded by World Diabetes Foundation may well help Mr. Besancon reach his goal.   Read more
Diabetes patient in Peru	Relief campaign helps Peruvian victims of earthquake The WDF Peruvian project partner, Mrs. Martha Mora de Belaunde, did not hesitate when earthquakes struck Peru in mid August in order to help people suffering from diabetes. Together with a group of health care professionals, she rushed to the areas hit by the disaster to offer her help and distribute diabetes medicine. Read more
Oily crops for sale in Burundi	When war and conflict ends, diabetes education must begin One would least expect diabetes to be a problem in Burundi, yet the World Diabetes Foundation has received and funded two project proposals. These projects are defying the odds and speeding up the conditions for improving diabetes care and prevention. Read more
	Lessons learnt in Nepalese project In Nepal, a team completing their project in 2006 reflects back on what worked and what did not - and why!   Read more
James and Jeffrey Black	Singing with diabetes on his mind On the 14th October, a charity Opera Concert “Together in Song” to be held in Cadogan Hall in London will benefit people with diabetes in Cambodia. The star of the night, Australian opera performer baritone Jeffrey Black, has travelled to Cambodia and describes how his visit was an eye opener for him and his 13-year old son, who has diabetes. Read more
	Walk celebrates first UN observed World Diabetes Day Since 2004, the World Diabetes Foundation has encouraged people around the world to walk on World Diabetes Day, this year we celebrate that UN recognises diabetes as global problem. Read more